From investments in natural food startups to the creation of corporate-backed accelerators and the outright acquisition of brands like RXBAR, big food is being forced to forge a healthier path forward. While a multi-million dollar exit makes for great headlines, integrating a mission-driven startup into a food conglomerate isn’t an easy transition, just ask General Mills-owned Epic Provisions.

After upending men’s shaving and personal care, Harry’s is moving in on the women’s market. Following the Harry’s DTC model, Flamingo’s product line will include razors, wax kits, shaving gel, and body lotion. Although this female-focused brand is an important step forward, it’s not an endgame. With the launch of Flamingo, Harry’s is adding to its product portfolio as it builds a modern-day CPG company to take on Unilever and P&G.

In the age of Instagram and wellness-inspired everything, bougie bodegas are coming for 7-Eleven and your neighborhood convenience store. From virtuous and socially-conscious to over-the-top and obnoxious, the reception for concepts like The Goods Mart, Clover Store, Bonberi, and WeMRKT has been mixed. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying the market opportunity among millennials and Gen Z, who are spending big on wellness products and brands. 

Given all this “wellness is booming” talk, you’d probably assume that, on the whole, we’re at least moderately healthy. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from reality. Despite the fact that membership to gyms is growing and we’re spending upwards of $66B on weight loss solutions, we’re more prone to obesity now than ever before. What’s worse, the US received a “D-” on the 2018 physical activity report card for youth and children. While wellness is winning on hype, it’s failing to follow through on its promise to help make us healthier. 

301 Inc. (the venture arm of General Mills) puts $40M into Kite Hill’s almond-based yogurt and cream cheese. 

YC-backed Oh My Greens pulled in $20M to bring nutritious snacks and meals to your workplace.

In a press release, Kettlebell Kitchen announced their $26.7M Series B from North Castle Partners. 

Kettle & Fire, a line of shelf-stable broths and soups, added $8M to their coffers less than two months after closing a separate $8M funding round. The round was lead by CAVU Venture Partners. 

Israeli plant-based protein company Equinom raised $4M to develop high-protein peas as they lay the foundation for a worldwide shift to a plant-based diet. 

Glanbia paid $350M to acquire the SlimFast from Kainos Capital, adding them to a portfolio that includes Optimum Nutrition, BSN, and Isopure.

After nearly shutting down, Good Eggs announced $50M in new funding to deliver absurdly fresh foods, with 70% of its products being sourced locally.

With a “major” investment from NBA star Kevin Durant’s Thirtyfive Ventures, Imperfect is ramping up distribution of its “ugly” produce subscription box.

Stockholm-based Valedo Partners and US buyout firm General Atlantic are preparing for a 2019 IPO for Joe & the Juice. 

Spectrum Equity paid $75M to purchase a controlling stake in AllTrails.

In its second acquisition of 2018—following the purchase of Green Chef in May—HelloFresh scooped up Toronto-based Chefs Plate for an amount described as “middle double-digit million”.

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